Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed zucchini, and seasoned ground turkey, topped with a melty blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. This comforting casserole is perfect for a nutritious family meal and features aromatic herbs and spices for a deliciously balanced dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs ground turkey
Vegetables
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 small zucchini, sliced or diced
Cheeses
- 1â…“ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a melty top layer)
Spices & Seasonings
- 3 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Oils
- 8 tbsp olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and half of the garlic powder until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and have a golden color.
- Cook the Zucchini: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced or diced zucchini and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still bright and firm. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: In the same skillet, add the ground turkey along with the remaining garlic powder, Italian seasoning or dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Cook the turkey over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large baking dish, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked ground turkey, and sautéed zucchini. Add half of the shredded Parmesan cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Drizzle the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has turned golden and slightly crisp on top.
- Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, wholesome meal.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a richer flavor, substitute part of the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end brightens the flavor.
- Consider serving with a side salad or steamed green veggies for a complete meal.
